10.The way a hardback book feels in your hand.

9. Watching my wife and daughter get ready in our single 10 square foot bathroom. (Oddly it doesn’t seem to relax them the same way.)

8. Schmoozing with George. George is the owner of my favorite restaurant, he’s 30 years my senior, Italian, and amazing. English is, I believe, his 12th language. There’s nothing quite like listening to an Italian yell in German at an American football game that’s on a Japanese TV.

7. Earl Grey tea.

6. My pipe. Especially with Sherlock tobacco. An unfinished Savinelli . Just holding it relaxes me. I have a tendency to carry it wherever I go even though I rarely smoke away from home.

5. The weight of my dog’s chin on my knee when she needs her ears scratched. I have 2 dogs… But Bella is the queen. Full Blood Boxer goodness and the sweetest dog to ever live.

4. A snifter of after work scotch. Especially Glenfiddich. You remember the old Calgon commercials? That’s what my 5:07pm cocktail does for me. I stand in the living room, still in my suit, wafting the bouquet of my ambrosia while 2 dogs explain in full synchronized expressive dance how they missed me all day.

3. Working in the garden.When you work with technology and people who don’t know how to right click all day… Dirt is very calming.

2. Enjoying  dinner prepared with friends. The equation is simple. The event can never be announced before 5:45pm on the same night of the event. I will be sent to the local market for any necessities. At least two visitors will arrive. There will be much wine and more talk.

1. Frank Sinatra Live at the Sands with Count Basie.